Signs for technical/specialized vocabulary

David Bar-Tzur

Links updated monthly with the help of LinkAlarm.

Parliament on the Thames Illuminated letter PPrism

The British Parliament on the Thames1; a prism.2

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

EXPLANATION OF THE GLOSSING SYSTEM
(to understand how I describe the signs in this dictionary).

For content knowledge of how to use the physics terms in context, see Guided tutorial in physics for interpreters.

For negotiating and developing temporary signs, see Preparation and sign negotiation

For vocabulary lists to determine helpful signs for a specific discipline, see Vocabulary lists by topic.

pace
(1) (2h)alt.NEXT. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pace. (2) P-A-C-E.

pacify
PEACE SETTLE-DOWN+, where the second sign is (2h)[5], PO down, pats the air 2x. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pacify.

pack, packed (computers)

packet
G-CLASS"each".

pact
SIGN-NAME AGREE, where the first sign is [H] slaps [B], PO up. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pact.

paddle tennis
(1) P-A-D-D-L-E + [S] holds imaginary paddle and hits ball forehand, then backhand. (2) [B] acts as an imaginary paddle and hits ball forehand, then backhand.

pagan, Pagan

Paganism

page (Middle Ages)
KNIGHT ASSISTANT, that is, (2h)[B^], POs > signer, are held in front of face, and DH taps NDH from above like the visor of a knight + [L], PO away, FO up, taps thumb against bottom of [A dot], PO > signer, FO up.

pageant
[bC] traces the outline of a diagonal sash as if used in a beauty pageant.

pager

pain
both "one" hands face each other with palms facing in. Twist both hands opposite directions a few times. (This can be signed at the area of an ache. Facial expression should show pain.)

paint

painting

pain with urination
(cond)URINATE, PAIN.

paired (or pair up) variables
V-VARIOUS, BOTH"each".

pale
FACE + WHITE + the right "flat-O" hand faces in and moves up the face ending in a "five" hand.

Palestine (فلسطين)
[5], PO > NDS, touches shoulder with thumb and closes to an [S]. For a film of this sign, click on Palestine - فلسطين. To see the reference source for the sign(s) for this country or to look up other countries in the same geographical area, see Indigenous signs for countries. To find signs for cities within this country (some have no entries) see Indigenous signs for cities.

palladium
P-D. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

Palm Sunday
(1) P-A-L-M SUNDAY. (2) SUFFER SUNDAY.

palmar
[B], PO down, FO away, rubs underside of FT against [5], PO up, FOs away.

palpate, palpation

palpitate
HEART + [S] pounds unevenly on palm of [B]. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - palpitate.

palsy
The hands shake and the body mimics the action of a person shaking from palsy. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - palsy.

pamphlet
[G], PO > NDS, FO away, runs FT up little finger side of [B], PO > signer, FO up.

pan

Panama
(2h)[H dot], POs > signer, FOs ><, fingers bend back > signer 2x. (< the Canal gates opening and closing.) To see the reference source for the sign(s) for this country or to look up other countries in the same geographical area, see Indigenous signs for countries. To find signs for cities within this country (some have no entries) see Indigenous signs for cities.

Panara, Robert
P-EXAGGERATE. (< his long stories.)

pancake
(1) (2h)[B], DHPO down, NDHPO up, FOs away, DH hops up in the air, flips and lands in "pan". For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pancake. (2) (2h)[B], POs up, FOs away, DH slides back of hand down the palm of NDH, then flips back so that palms clap together.

pancreas
P-A-N-C-R-E-A-S.

panel

pan-human
P-A-N H-BODY.

panties
(2h)[5], POs > signer, FOs down, change to a [9] and pull up panties from sides. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - panty.

pantomime
P-PERFORM.

pants
(2h)[5], POs down, FOs away, brush thumbs near pockets 2x.

pantyhose
(2h)[5], POs > signer, FOs down, change to a [9] and pull up pantyhose from NDS. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pantyhose.

papal
POPE 'S.

parable
(1) STORY. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - parable. (2) PARALLEL STORY. (3) COMPARE STORY.

parabola

parabolic
SHAPE "WHAT"? 1outline-CL'draw parabola'.

Paraclete
COMFORTER.

Paradise

paradox
LOGIC CONFLICT.

paragraph
FT of [C] strike the palm of [B], PO > DS, FO away.

Paraguay
"P". To see the reference source for the sign(s) for this country or to look up other countries in the same geographical area, see Indigenous signs for countries. To find signs for cities within this country (some have no entries) see Indigenous signs for cities.

parakeet
The index finger is bent and pecks at thumb with hand held against nose. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - parakeet.

parallax
(2h)[1], POs ><, FOs up, NDH is held close to face and DH moves past face.

parallel

parallelogram
(2h)1outline-CL draws parallelogram.

paralysis
(1) BODY FREEZE. (2) (2h)[5^] with wrists limp jerk to one side. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - paralysis. This second sign may be offensive to some, and the first sign is preferable.

parameter
P-A-R-M.

parametric representation
P-A-R-M R-SHOW+.

paranoid
(1) (2h)[open 8] touch respective temples and pivot as in the sign MEDICINE. (2) (2h)[P] touch respective temples and pivot as in the sign MEDICINE. (3) P-FOR-FOR. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - paranoid.

parapet
ADVANCED + (2h)[Bb], POs away, FOs up, touch and separate to sides, but signed above the head where the sign ADVANCED ends.

paraphernalia (drugs)
PIPE, PAPERS, ROLL-A-JOINT, ETC.: [L: dot] holds pipe to mouth and circles in a plane parallel to the floor with lips pursed + PAPER + (2h)[O^], POs up, FOs away, move forward while closing to (2h)[A] in a small double movement + ETC.

paraplegic
WAIST-DOWN FREEZE, where the first sign is (2h)[B], POs down, are held at waist with DH below NDH and DH moves down to show "from the waist down".

parasite

parasitic draw
P-D.

parasympathetic nervous system
P-N-S.

pardon (sins)
(1) EXCUSE. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Forgive. (2) EXCUSE is signed the normal way for the person's hand dominance and then the sign is executed as if the person had the opposite hand dominance + FINISH. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Forgive.

Parousia (Roman Catholic)
JESUS COME AGAIN.

pare
[A dot] closes to [A] while rubbing down [1], PO > DS, FO away, as if whittling. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pare.

parent

parentheses (for formulas)
Draw parentheses with (2h)[1] or (2h)[bO] simultaneously. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - parenthesis.

parietal
INSIDE SURFACE, where the second sign is (2h)[B], POs down, FOs away, DH rubs its palmar surface against the dorsal (back) side of the NDH.

parietal lobe(s)
(1h) if singular (lobe), (2h) if plural (lobes), 5:-CL places FT on crown of head.

parish
(1) P-CHURCH, contacts at heel of palm, not FT. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - parish. (2) CHURCH + (2h)[B], POs down, NDH stays in place while DH circles it.

parishioners
(1) CHURCH MEMBER.(2) (2h)5:-CL'congregation seated and facing signer'. (3) (2h)5:-CL'congregation seated and seen from behind'.

parity
P-A-R-I-T-Y.

parking brake
(2h)[B), right hand, PO away, is held in place to represent the step brake and the left hand steps on the parking brake.

parliament
Thumbside of [P] touches [S] at wrist, then at elbow. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - parliamentary.

parliamentary
Thumbside of [P] touches [S] at wrist, then at elbow. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - parliamentary.

Paro
(1) [X], PO away from signer, is tapped at forehead 1x + KING. (2) (2h)[B] touch respective sides of head and then close to (2h)[Y] while descending to touch shoulders. (3) (2h)[P] touch respective sides of head and then touch shoulders.

Parokhet

parole
EXCUSE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - parole.

parole officer
EXCUSE POLICE.

parsec
P-C.

parsonage
CHURCH HOUSE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - parsonage.

participant (sports)
(1) JOIN AGENT. (2) P-JOIN AGENT.

particle
Hand is held PO up in somewhat of a [W] while the thumb is flicked against the little finger.

partisan (Politics)
ONLY-ONE P-A-R-T-Y SUPPORT.

partition

parts per million
P-P-M.

par value
P-A-R VALUE.

parve
MILK, MEAT, NONE.

P/pascal

Paschal

pass (basketball)
(1) (2h)[5:], POs down, FOs away. Hands twist upwarrds so that POs face away. (2) (2h)[O^], POs up, FOs ><, circle antisymmetrically in a horizontal plane.

passed ball (baseball)
DH [C], PO away, FO up, taps 2x against palm of NDH [B], PO away, FO up + [1] shows ball whiz under catcher's ND arm.

Passion (of Christ)
(1) [A] holds thumb against mouth and swivels from side to side while descending.(2) [A] holds thumb against mouth and descends and then (2h)[S] revolve around each other with elbows at side.

Passion Sunday
PASSION(-OF-CHRIST) SUNDAY.

passion (sexual)
(1) [C] drags FT down chest with appropriate facial expression. (2) [1] drags FT down throat with appropriate facial expression. (3) [4], PO away, FO up, drags index finger down from side of mouth.

passive
(1) (2h)[1] start in front of the mouth with DH in front of mouth, then both hands descend and separate while changing to (2h)[Bb]. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - passive. (2) (2h)[Bb] are held at mouth and fall limply to their respective sides.

passive sign convention
P-S-C.

pass out

Passover

passuk
[G], FO up, runs FTs along palm of NDH, [B], PO > DS, FO away.

password
(1) PASS WORD. (2) SECRET WORD.

past (tense)
BEFORE, that is, [B], PO > signer is "thrown" over the shoulder.

pasta
(2h)[I], POs towards, touch FTs and separate twice. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - noodle.

paste
(2h)[H], POs away, FOs up, touch FTs and separate as if pasting on the wall.

pasteurize
MILK, BOIL. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pasteurize. Note: the sign they use for "boil" in this movie is not consistent with their own sign for "boil" (ASL browser - boil) and looks like "burn". BOIL should be used.

Pasteur pipet
[H dot] squeezes rubber tip from above.

pastor
[F], PO away from signer, is held high and bends repeatedly at wrist + AGENT. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pastor.

pastoral (council)
P->C-CONGRESS.

past participle
BEFORE, that is, [B], PO > signer is "thrown" over the shoulder + P-A-R-T.

patch

patch panel
(1)

patch panel
[V], PO down, "plugs into" middle of [Bb], PO away, FO up, retract DH, bring down both hands, and DH plugs into NDH again. (2) >LINE + (2h)[bO], POs ><, FOs away, move forward as if plugging into a panel + WALL.

patellar region
(2h)[bC] surrounds the knee + [5], PO > knee, FO up, moves in a small circle at the knee.

paten (Roman Catholic)
(2h)bC-CL'small plate'.

patent
P-A-T-E-N-T.

paternalism
(1) (2h)LOOK-DOWN, that is (2h)[V], points FT downwards towards the person or group being looked down on. (2) NDH [B] is grasped by FT of [Bb] from above and drawn forward.

pathological view (of d/Deaf people)
MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE.

patient (health science)
P-HOSPITAL, that is, [P] draws a cross on the upper arm. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - patient.

patriarch

patriot, patriotic, patriotism
#OWN COUNTRY, SUPPORT++.

patrol (v, criminal justice)
SUPERVISE, that is, (2h)[K] are crossed at wrists and circle in a plan perpendicular to the body. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - patrol.

patronize

patronized
(1) LOOK-DOWN-ON"th" pointed to self. (2) [B] strokes side of head.

pattern
(1) P-A-T-T-E-R-N. (2) The sign SAME is repeated as the hands move from one side of the body to the other. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pattern.

patur
NOT-RESPONSIBLE = (2h)[open 8] flicks middle fingers against respective shoulders.

Paul (Christianity)
[P] taps middle finger against temple.

Pauli exclusion principle
P-A-U-L-I EXCLUDE PRINCIPLE, where the second sign is hands held like final position of stop and DH pronates while moving along palm > DS with a brisk movement.

pave
Little finger edge of [B], PO > signer, FO > NDS, slowly pushes imaginary dirt away on surface of [B], PO up, FO away. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pave.

pay

payback (Economics)
PAY-OFF TIME-PERIOD. In the first sign, [open 8] runs its FT along the NDH palm from FTs to the base of the palm and then turns around and runs the [B] back up the palm. The second sign is [T], PO > NDS, circles the NDH [B], PO > DS, FO away, and lands on the NDH palm.

pay off
(1) [open 8] moves > NDS across palm of [B], PO up and then moves back to produce CLEAN. (2) PAY CLEAN. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pay off.

payot
(2h)[1] touch the start of the sideburns and descend in spirals.

payroll
P-A-Y-R-O-L-L.

PCP

pea
(1) FT of [X] taps up the finger and onto the hand of [1], PO > DS. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pea. (2) Thumb flicks against index finger while moving along [1], PO down, away from signer, as if shucking peas.

peach
(1) FT of [5] stroke the cheek while closing on it, move away and repeat motion. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - peach. (2) [3^] strokes the cheek while closing on it, moves away and repeats motion.

peacock
BIRD + [5], PO towards, places elbow on [B], PO down, and sweeps from NDS to DS. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - peacock.

peak (in a signal, in a mountain)
(2h)[1], POs diagonally down, rise up and touch as if showing the outline of a peak. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - peak.

peak inverse voltage
P-I-V.

peak operating voltage
P-O-V.

peak to peak
P-P.

pear
(1) DH encloses NDH [O^], PO > DS, and DH moves > DS while maintaining contact until it has itself become [O^] and continues its motion. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pear. (2) As in (1), but DH then becomes [1] and touches its FT to that of the NDH to show the stem.

pearl(s)

Pearl of Great Price (LDS [Mormon])
Place thumbside of [P] against upper palm of NDH [B], PO > DS, FO up, then place thumbside of [G] against middle of palm, and finally place [P] on lower portion of palm, similar to the movement for LAW (< the base sign LAW).

pectoral region
(2h)[5:] strike pectoral muscles (upper chest) + [5] rubs palmar side at this region from side to side.

pectoralis muscle
FT of (2h)[X] tap at upper chest + (2h)[B], rub up and down at upper chest.

pedal region (anatomy)
Poke [1^], PO down, FO away, > the foot, you need not bend over, + [5], PO down, FO away, moves in a small circle at the waist.

pedestal
FT of [1] supports [B], PO down, Fo away, as it falls and then rises.

peer(s)
EQUAL AGENT, plural EQUAL GROUP.

pelican
BIRD + [B], PO > signer, FO > NDS, touches chin and moves down in an arc away from the signer. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pelican.

pelvic exam
VAGINA, CHECK.

pelvic cavity
(2h)[B] slaps hips + [C] runs FTs across region + INSIDE.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
P-I-D.

pelvic region
(2h)[B] slaps hips + [C] runs FTs across region.

pelvis
(2h)[B^ dot] tap respective hips.

penalty
PUNISH.

penance (Roman Catholic)
(2h)[5], FOs down, put FTs on stomach, draw FTs up chest, and without pausing lay DH in the palm of NDH with fingers crossing, PO > signer like the sign PRISON. (< screen in the confessional booth.)

pending
WAIT WE'LL-SEE, where the second sign is [V], PO away, FO up, taps index finger against cheek.

pendulum
(1) [B] touches top surface of arm by the elbow and [S] swings back and forth like a pendulum. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pendulum. (2) [F], PO away, FO up, swings from side to side while NDH [1] points away and above DH, as if DH were attached to NDH by a string.

penetrate, penetration

penetrometer
PENETRATE METER, that is, [1], PO > NDS, is thrust between index and middle fingers of [B], PO > signer, FO > DS + DH [1], PO away, FO up, is held behind NDH [C], PO > DS, FO up, as if it were the frame to the meter, and the DH twists slightly as if it were the moving needle.

penguin

penis

penitent
SORRY. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - penitent.

penitentiary
JAIL, that is, (2h)[4], POs towards, DH taps back of hand against NDH FT. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - penitentiary.

pennant
(1) (2h)[L], touch thumb to thumb and index finger to same, POs away. NDH stays in place and DH moves > DS while closing to [bO] to show the shape of a pennant. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pennant. (2) P-E-N-N-A-N-T.

pension
WELFARE, that is, [L:], PO towards, is held high and descends 3x while closing as if regularly receiving money from above. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pension.

pentacle
STAR, (2h)bC-CL'circle around star.'

pentagon (Geometry and governmental building)
FIVE + (2h)1outline-CL'pentagon'. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pentagon.

pentagram
FIVE CORNER STAR.

Pentateuch

Pentecost

Pentecostal
(1) P-C. (2) [P], PO > NDS, FO up, pushes head back like the healing hand of a Pentecostal minister.

perek
(1) C-LESSON. (2) C-WHAT.

penumbra

people in need of supervision
P-I-N-S.

Pepsi
[I], PO towards, moves back and forth across the face as it is pulled downward. (Not like the old ASL sign for ITALY.) For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - Pepsi.

perceive
[open 8] is drawn up the chest in one long movement + UNDERSTAND.

percent

percentile rank
PERCENT~I-L-E R-A-N-K.

perception
[open 8] is drawn up the chest in one long movement + UNDERSTAND.

percolate
Index finger of [S], PO up, FO away, flicks out several times while rising in the middle of [C), PO > DS, FO away.

perennial (plant)
CONTINUE ANNUAL. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - perennial.

perfect (tense)
PERFECT.

perfect square
ITS SQUARE-ROOT EQUAL INTEGER. See separate entries for these signs if you don't know what I mean.

perform
(2h)[A], POs ><, FOs away, hand alternately run the thumbside down the NDS of the chest.

performance

pericardium
TISSUE AROUND HEART.

pericope
(1) CHAPTER. (2) EXTRACT, that is (2h)[V] point to the thing extracted and move > signer while bending FTs into (2h)[V:].

perimeter
(2h)[1^], NDPO > signer.

period

periodic (wave)
REGULAR, that is, RIGHT++ while DH moves in a circular movement parallel to the chest.

periodically
HAPPEN REGULAR, where the second sign is RIGHT++ while DH moves in a circular movement parallel to the chest.

periodic table
(1) ELEMENT GRAPH. (2) P,T-GRAPH, that is , [P] moves down palm of [B], PO > DS, FO away; then DH changes to a [T] and moves across palm of NDH.

period-luminosity relation
(<) TIME-PERIOD, (>) "L", lf-RELATED-TO-rt, there the first sign is T-HOUR.

period of rotation
TIME-PERIOD ROTATE-HORIZONTAL, that is, T-HOUR + (2h)[1], DH is held above NDH and rotates FT around FT of NDH. For a QuickTime movie of TIME-PERIOD, see ASL browser - time.

peripheral (computers)
NDH [O^], PO up and DH [P], PO down, circles it. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - peripheral.

peripheral interface adapter
P-I-A.

peripheral nervous system
P-N-S.

peripheral vision
VISION + (2h)[B], PO > <, FO away from signer, are held by the eyes and are spread to show the angle of the periphery. progressive vision loss.

Perkins (School for the Blind)
DH [P] taps middle finger against [S], PO down, FO away.

Perkins brailler
BRAILLE MACHINE. Can add mime using the three middle fingers of both hands to work the machine or use the sign for "Perkins" (see above).

permanent magnet
P-M.

permanent virtual circuit
P-V-C.

permeability
Draw a lowercase mu (lowecase mu) in the air.

permeable
PERMEATE CAN.

permeate
DH [O^] contacts NDH [B], PO up, from above, spreads out a bit and then DH FT interlace with NDH FT. For a QuickTime movie, see ASL browser - permeate.

permitted orbits
ORBITAL FORBIDDEN, NOT. Where ORBITAL is NDH [bC], PO > DS, FO away, DH [1] traces the path of the orbital from above.

permittivity
Draw a lowercase epsilon (lowecase epsilon) in the air.

permittivity of free space (lowercase epsilon0)
Draw epsilon and show O'subscripted'.

permutation
ORDER + (2h)[O^], POs down, FOs away, hands cross over each other 2x as if rearranging the order.

perpendicular

perpendicular bisector
DH [1^], PO down, touches NDH [1], PO down, FO > DS, at midjoint + DIVIDE FIFTY, (>) FIFTY. Note: Italics indicates using the NDH.

persecute
(2h)[X], POs ><, FOs away, DH rubs pinkie side of hand against thumbside of NDH while moving away and then hands exchange dominance (NDH does the same to DH) several times with appropriate negative facial expression.

perseverance of the Saints
GOD DECIDE WHO SAVE, FINISHwg, where the last sign is rapidly wiggled in a small movement while rising and the mouth forms "fsh".

personal computer
P-C.

Personal Computer Memory Card International Association
P-C-M-C-I-A.

personal property
PERSONAL THINGS.

Person [living] with AIDS
(1) PERSON HAVE A-I-D-S. (2) P-W-A.

perspective (general, art)
(1) DH [V], PO down, touches below eye with middle finger, then pronates and "looks" at NDH [1], PO > DS. (2)(2h)[V], FOs up, DH touches middle finger to eye, then both hands pronate. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - perspective.

perspicuity
INTERPRET BIBLE YOURSELF CAN.

perspire

persuasion
(1) (2h)[bO] move back and forth as if trying to push someone forward with a "pitchfork". For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - persuade. (2) [B] wipes palm then back of hand across [1], PO away, as if "buttering someone up".

perush
RABBI WRITE EXPLAIN (TORAH, TALMUD, CHOCHAMOT, or whatever is the topic).

Perushim
PEOPLE FOLLOW TALMUD.

peverse, perversion
CHARACTER WARPED, that is, [C], FO up, circles and lands on NDS of chest + (2h)[B], DH PO > NDS, FO away, is held on top of NDH PO up, FO away, and DH folds fingers.

pervert
(2h)[B], DH is held, PO > NDS, against NDPO up, FO away, and moves forward while DH FT curl > DS and HS become (B^] and facial expression is extremely negative + AGENT.

Pesach
(1) [S] taps thumbside against elbow (like CRACKER). For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - cracker. (2) Like the previous sign but tapping middle finger of [P] wrist side against elbow. (3) OVER FREE. (4) P-OVER FREE. (6) P-OVER. (7) (Israeli sign)The [Bb], PO down is tapped against the teeth.

Peter (Christianity)
P-CHURCH.

Peter the Great
[1] traces Ft against DS moustache, then is shaken, FO up, PO > signer. (< moustache and NUMBER-ONE.)

petition

petroleum
Thumb of [Y] is inserted twice into a slightly open [S], PO > DS, FO away.

petting (sexual)
(1) (2h)[S] cross at wrists and nod as if making out with vigorous motion. (2) (2h)[5] rub against body while hugging self.

petty cash

peyote
M-E-S-C.

pharmacy
MEDICINE STORE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pharmacy.

Pharaoh
(1) [X], PO away from signer, is tapped at forehead 1x + KING. (2) (2h)[B] touch respective sides of head and then close to (2h)[Y] while descending to touch shoulders. (3) (2h)[P] touch respective sides of head and then touch shoulders.

Pharisee

phase

phase angle (symbolized by phi)
DH [1], PO > NDS, FO up, touches the front of (or the back of) NDH [O], PO > DS + ANGLE.

phase difference
Draw a lowercase delta (lowercase delta) in the air.

phase locked loop
P-L-L.

phase modulation
P-M.

phase shift
DH [1], PO > NDS, FO up, touches the front of (or the back of) NDH [O], PO > DS.

phase shift keying
P-S-K

Ph.D.
P-H-D.

pheasant
Middle finger of [P] strikes side of neck twice. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pheasant.

phenotype
P-LOOK CHARCTERISTIC.

phi, lowercase phi
DH [1], PO > NDS, FO up, touches the front of (or the back of) NDH [O], PO > DS.

philanthropy
MONEY (1h)DONATE"each". For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - philanthropy.

Philemon (Πρὸς Φιλήμονα)
P-H-M.

Philippians (Πρὸς Φιλιππησίους)
P-H-I-L.

Philippines
(1) [P] circles at forehead. (2) [P] circles around upturned palm and lands on it. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - Philippines. To see the reference source for the sign(s) for this country or to look up other countries in the same geographical area, see Indigenous signs for countries. To find signs for cities within this country (some have no entries) see Indigenous signs for cities.

Phillip's(-head screwdriver)
(2h)[1], POs away, cross at midfinger to make an "X" + [U] screws in an imaginary screw at palm of [B], PO > DS, FO away.

philosophy
[P], PO > NDS, circles temple.

pH meter
P-H METER.

phi resonance meson (lowercase phi)
DH [1], PO > NDS, FO up, touches the front of (or the back of) NDH [O], PO > DS + R-E-S-O-N-A-N-C--E.

phoneme
Middle finger of [P] circles in around ear + [G], PO away, FO > DS.

phonograph
(2h)[open 8], DH, PO down, circles middle finger of NDH, PO up, with its own middle finger, as if a needle is engaged on a record. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - phonograph. (2) DH [1^], PO down, circles above NDH [B], PO up, FO away.

phonology
Middle finger of [P] circles in around ear.

phosphate sugar
P-S.

phospholipids
P-H-L.

phosphorus
"P". For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

photo (n & v)
See "photograph".

photo- (adj)
LIGHT.

photo call (theater)
PICTURE CALL (summon).

photoelectric cell
P-E-C

photograph

photon
Draw a lowercase gamma (lowercase gamma) in the air + PARTICLE.

photonics (fiber optics)
(2h)F-CL, POs ><, FOs up, are held together and DH moves away in a wavy pattern and ends with S>1-CL where the [S] flicks out the index finger as if showing a the transmission of information along an optical fiber.

photosphere
LIGHT SPHERE, where the second sign is (2h)[5:], POs down, FOs away, DH is placed over NDH, and the (2h) supinate as the describe a sphere, ending with POs up and still overlapping with DH now on top.

photosynthesis
SUNSHINE ABSORB, MAKE FOOD.

photovoltaic
P-V.

phrase
P-H-R-A-S-E.

phylacteries
The NDH [S] arm is extended and the DH [bX] is held above. An imaginary strap is wound around the wrist.

physical

physical disability
BODY D-A.

physical education
(1) P-E. (2) BODY EDUCATION.

physician
M-DOCTOR. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - physician.

physics
(2h)[V:], POs towards, FOs ><, tap FTs together 2x. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - physics.

physiology
BODY FUNCTION.

pi lowercase pi (the letter or the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter)
(1)Index and little fingers of DH are pointed downwards. (2) DH [1], PO down, FO > DS is held above and taps FT of NDH [V], PO away from signer, FO up.

picket (protest)
(2h)[S] hold picket sign and wave it forward slightly 2x. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - picket.

pickle
[1] touches neck and twists. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pickle.

pickpocket
[V], FO away, PO > NDS, moves back towards signer while changing to [V:] as if stealing from back pocket + [B] pats back pocket. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pickpocket.

pick up

pick up a cue
(1) PICK-UP CUE. (2) FAST++ ascending.

pick up a spare (Bowling)
[1], PO > signer, FO up, strikes nose.

pico- (10-12)
P- [plus unit abbreviation].

picoampere
P-A.

picofarad
P-F.

picosecond
P-S.

picowatt
P-W.

Pidgin Sign English
P-S-E.

pidyon haben
R-SAVE FIRST BORN MALE.

pier
(2h)[Bb], POs down, FOs away, are held at eye level, touch sides and separate like FLOOR + (2h)[S], POs ><, FOs up rise up and stop suddenly at eye level as if they were supporting this floor.

pierced, piercing (body)
Strike FT of [bO] once against the area pierced.

pigtail adaptor
(2h)[R] touch FTs to respective sides of hair behind ears and descend + CHANGE++.

pike (diving)
[O^], PO down, FO away, moves down.

pilaster
NDH [B], PO > DS, FO away, is held straight out from body and DH [C], PO > NDS< FO away, runs up imaginary wall described by the NDH from bottom to top.

pilgrim, Pilgrim

pilgrimage
VISIT HOLY PLACE WORSHIP.

pill

pillage
(2h)[5:], POs down, FOs away, alt. descend and rise while closing to [S]. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pillage.

pillar
(1) (2h)C-CL moves upwards to show the edges of the pillar. If the perspective of the viewer is mid-range, use (2h)F-CL; if long-range, use (2h)G-CL or (2h)1-CL (2) [S] plants its elbow firmly on back of [B] and then NDH [C], PO > DS moves up the arm of [S] which remained in place. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pillar.

Pillar of Fire
(2h)C-CL'huge column' + (2h)5wg-CL'flames ascending'.

pillary
Trace the rectangular frame of it at chest level by starting at the middle, separating, and descending. Don't bother showing the bottom line. Bend over slightly and pose with head and arms trapped in the frame.

pillow
(2h)[5:] plumps pillow under tilted head.

pinch clamp
[V:], PO down, clamps onto [1], PO > DS, FO up.

pineapple
[P] twists middle finger at cheek several times. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pineapple.

ping (computers)
P-I-N-G + [S]

ping-pong
(1) [A] mimes striking ball normally and backhand. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - ping-pong . (2) [P] acts as an imaginary paddle and hits ball forehand, then backhand.

pin grid array
P-G-A.

pinna
Flex ear + P-I-N-N-A.

pinnacle
HIGH PEAK. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pinnacle.

Pinocchio
[1] taps back of hand against nose. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - Pinocchio.

PINS (social work)
P-I-N-S.

pintele yid
INSIDE JEWISH ALWAYS*.

pion (pi+)
(1)Index and little fingers of DH are pointed downwards + POSITIVE"superscripted". (2) DH [1], PO down, FO > DS is held above and touching NDH [V], PO away from signer, FO up + POSITIVE"superscripted".

pious

pipe

pipet (pipette)

piping
(2h)C-CL'horizontal pipe' is shown repeatedly while rising, unless vertical piping is meant.

pirate
(1) (2h)[H], PO > signer cross at DH eye. (2) [B^] covers eye.

pisiform
If right-handed, touch lower-left hand corner of right hand palm with index finger of left hand. If left-handed, reverse directions.

piston
Fist rises and falls within the confines of NDH [C], PO > DS, FO away, which represents the cylinder.

pitch

pitcher
[3:], PO away, FO up, moves away slightly 3x.

pity
FT of [open 8] starts at chest and then pronates and strokes the air. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pity.

placement
[5:], PO > NDS, FO away, grabs the thing to be placed, closes to [S], and places the thing where it will be spatialized. [B], PO down, may be held over the final position as it is placed.

placenta
(2h)F-CL‘extend from belly button' + (2h)5wg-CL‘convluted mass at end'.

places

plaintiff
COMPLAIN* and mouth "po" + AGENT.

plan

planar (surface)
(1) (2h)[B^], POs ><, FOs up, NDH is held closer to the nose and the DH behind it as seen by the signer. The NDH stays in place and the DH moves forward. (2) (2h)[B], POs down, FOs diagonally forward and > each other, hands separate diagonally with hu.

Planck's constant
"H".

plane

planes of reference (anatomy)
(2h)1-CL"trace a rectangle" + R-E-F-E-R-E-N-C-E.

planet
[5:], PO down, FO away, circles NDH [5:], PO down, FO away, from above.

planetary nebula
(2h)G-CL'ringed', that is the hands describe a "donut" parallel to the chest, + MATERIAL CLOUDY, where the last sign is (2h)[O^], POs away, FOs up, open to (2h)[5], while crossing and DH grazes NDH from behind.

planetesimals
PLANET PARTICLES, that is, [5:], PO down, FO away, circles NDH [5:], PO down, FO away, from above + (2h)[W], POs up, FOs away, while the thumbs are flicked against the little fingers.

plano- (lens)
See "lens".

plant

plantar side of foot
Poke [1^], PO down, FO away, > the foot + (2h)[B], DH rubs palm against palm of NDH, PO down, FO away.

plasma
P-L-A-S-M-A.

plasma cutting
P-L-A-S-M-A CUT.

plasmid
DH [P], PO down, circles above, NDH [5], PO down.

plaster
P-L-A-S-T-E-R.

plastic
(1) [Bb], PO > NDS, FO away, grasps FTs of [B], PO > signer, FO > DS, and wiggles it back and forth, showing its flexibility.

plastic leaded chip carrier
P-L-C-C.

plastic small outline package
P-S-O-P.

plate
(2h)[bC], POs ><, FOs away, are held in neutral space. For plural, move up several times with a tiny movement forward to put them in place.

plate techtonics
EARTH + (2h)[Bb], POs down, FOs away, hands rub sides of index fingers against one another.

platform (diving)
FLAT (+ HARD).

platinum
P-T. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

play

playback machine
(1) PLAY AGAIN MACHINE. (2) PLAY #BACK MACHINE.

player
PLAY AGENT.

play-offs (sports)
PLAY + with NDH held in place from previous sign fingerspell O-F-F .

plays (sports)
P-L-A-Y-S.

playwright
DRAMA WRITER. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - playwright.

plea (court)
ANSWER.

plea agreement
AGREE REDUCE.

plea bargaining
NEGOTIATE FOR REDUCE PUNISH, where the first sign is [1], FO > NDS is placed in palm of [B] and both move to and fro together. For a QuickTime movie of NEGOTIATE, see ASL browser - negotiate.

plead (court)

plea offer
SUGGEST AGREE.

plenum

pleural cavities
PLACE LUNGS PUT-IN-PLACE, where the last two signs are (2h)[B^], rubs FT up and down lungs twice + (2h)[S] strike chest as if the hands were putting the lungs in place.

pleurum, pleura
TISSUE AROUND LUNGS, where the first sign is pinch skin of dorsum (back of the hand) and wiggle.

pliers
C>S-CL shows pliers being squeezed. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pliers.

plot

plotter
P-DRAW MACHINE.

plow
[B] slides pinkie side along [B], PO up, FO away. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - plow.

plug

plugged
[B] is brought up to mouth while it closes to [Bb] and mouth closes suddenly.

plural
(1) P-L. (2) MANY.

pluralism
P-L-U-R-A-L-I-S-M.

plus

plutonium
P-U. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

plywood
P-L-Y WOOD. (2) WOOD + (2h)[O^], POs > signer, FOs ><, DH either grasps the FT of NDH and bends it to and fro or both hands grasp an imaginary material and flex it to and fro. (3) P-METAL, that is, [P], PO down, FO > NDS, brushes under chin several times.

pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
P-C-P

pneumonia
(1) FT of (2h)[P] rubs up and down lungs. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pneumonia. (2) P-N.

poche (architecture)
P-O-C-H-E.

pod (biology)
(2h)[B], palm to palm, FOs up, open with wrists still connected, like opening pod. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pod.

poetry

point

pointer (Jewish)
SILVER (2h)F-CL'thin cylindrical object'. TORAH 1-CL'point to reading as it scans from line to line'.

pontiff
(2h)[B] traces the outline of the pope's double miter (hat) by touching the head with the heel of the hand and bringing the hands upwards, > each other, out slightly, and finally touching FTs.

point guard
[1] touches nose + "G".

point of inflection
I-N-F-L-E-C-T-I-O-N POINT.

point of sale
P-O-S.

point of view (Linguistics)
(1) P-O-V. (2) DH [V] touches below eye with middle finger, then pronates and "looks" at NDH [1], PO > DS. (3)(2h)[V], FOs up, DH touches middle finger to eye, then both hands pronate. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - point of view.

point-to-point protocol
P-P-P.

poison
(1) (2h)[V:] cross at wrists, DH striking NDH, close to chest with PO towards signer. (2) P-MEDICINE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - poison.

Poland
(1) [A dot], touches tip of thumb to NDS just below shoulder, then DS. (2)[O^], touches FTS to NDS just below shoulder, then DS. [< the Poles' bravery in facing Russians and any other would-be invaders by ripping their shirts off, fighting to the last breath, fighting bare-handed, if necessary, against better equipped armies. (The origin of the American sign is the statue of the Pole best-known to Americans, General Kosciuszko, who was a strategist and tactician advising General Washington during the American Revolution which depicts him as having a turned-up nose. As is often the case, the sign for an individual became the sign for the place that person is from.)] To see the reference source for the sign(s) for this country or to look up other countries in the same geographical area, see Indigenous signs for countries. To find signs for cities within this country (some have no entries) see Indigenous signs for cities.

polar coordinates
P-O-L-A-R C-O-O-R-D.

polar distance
_______________t ________whq
P-O-L-E DISTANT, HOW-MUCH.

polarity
(2h)[V], NDPO up, DPO down, FOs ><, arc upwards and exchange POs repeatedly and rapidly.

polarizability
PO > signer, FO > NDS, is held against palm of NDH, DH [5], PO > signer, FO > DS, and DH twists while maintaining contact until its FO is up + POSSIBLE.

polarize
DH [4], PO > signer, FO > NDS, is held against palm of NDH, DH [5], PO > signer, FO > DS, and DH twists while maintaining contact until its FO is up. (< the filtering of light according its the plane of transmission.)

polarized light
LIGHT, PO > signer, FO > NDS, is held against palm of NDH, DH [5], PO > signer, FO > DS, and DH twists while maintaining contact until its FO is up.

pole

pole vault
(2h)[S] grasps imaginary pole and pushes body up + [S] shoots out into a [V] as it jumps over [1], PO down, FO > DS.

policy
P-LAW. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - policy.

polite
FORMAL.

poll
QUESTION"each".

pollution
(ENVIRONMENT) DIRTY. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pollution. (2) DIRTY SPREAD.

polonium
P-O. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

polyatomic ion
MANY ATOM I-O-N.

polygon
P-O-L-Y-G-O-N.

polymer
(2h)[P], touch FTs, then separate to respective sides while twisting.

polynomial
[P], PO down, FO away, moves repeatedly > DS in small arcs.

polystyrene film capacitor
S-F-C. [sic] Yes, with an S.

polytheism
BELIEVE MANY GOD.

polyunsaturated fat
MANY NOT + NDH [B], PO down, FO > DS, DH [5], PO down, FO away, is held low and wiggles while rising until it arrives and strikes the NDH from below + F-A-T.

pond
WATER (2h)bC-CL approach each other twice. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pond.

pons
P-O-N-S.

Pontiac (make of car)
[F] touches FT to cheek and face several times while ascending slightly. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - Native American.

Pontius Pilate
(1) P-P.(2) [P] touches NDS at temple and then DS at temple.

pony
HORSE SHORT(-IN-STATURE). For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pony.

poodle
FRENCH DOG. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - poodle.

pool

poor galaxy cluster
[5:], PO up, FO away, is held above [S], PO down, FO away. DH descend and strikes NDH while closing to [S] + (2h)[C], POs ><, FOs away, hands rush together (GRAVITY GROUP-TOGETHER = GALAXY) P-O-O-R.

pop (computers)
[B], PO down, covers [S], PO > DS, FO away, and then pops up suddenly with a little reverberation at the end.

Pope
(2h)[B] traces the outline of the pope's double miter (hat) by touching the head with the heel of the hand and bringing the hands upwards, > each other, out slightly, and finally touching FTs.

pop fly
[1] shows trajectory of a ball that rises and falls sharply + [A dot], PO > NDS, FO up, moves backwards over shoulder.

popliteal region
Palm of [B] slaps back of knee + [5], PO > back of knee, FO up, moves in a small circle in that area.

poppers
[bC dot] moves inhalant left and right under the nose while inhaling.

population (Statistics also)
[P] hops from pinkie to thumb. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - population.

population I star
POPULATION NUMBER-ONE STAR, where the first two signs are NDH [5], PO > signer FO > DS, middle finger of DH points successively to middle finger, index finger and thumb + [1], PO > signer, FO > NDS, moves > DS.

population II star
POPULATION NUMBER-TWO STAR, where the first two signs are NDH [5], PO > signer FO > DS, middle finger of DH points successively to middle finger, index finger and thumb + [V], PO > signer, FO > NDS, moves > DS.

pop-up
[B], PO down, covers [S], PO > DS, FO away, and then DPOps up suddenly.

port
P-O-R-T.

portfolio
(1) P-SHOW. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - portfolio. (2) [P] hops from thumb to pinkie.

portrait
FT of [P], PO > signer, FO up, circles face.

Portugal
(1) (2h)[P], touch middle fingers to shoulder blades, then touch each other. (< matador's cape.) (2) [P] touches middle finger to forehead, then nose, then chin. (< shape of country resembling a person's profile.) (3) The index finger traces a line down the face from the forehead to the chin. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - Portugal. To see the reference source for the sign(s) for this country or to look up other countries in the same geographical area, see Indigenous signs for countries. To find signs for cities within this country (some have no entries) see Indigenous signs for cities.

posaik
RABBI SKILLED JEWISH LAW.

position (Physics)

positional system
SYSTEM SHOW POSITION.

positively doped metal-oxide semiconductor
P-M-O-S.

positive-negative-positive (transistor)
P-N-P.

positron
E POSITIVE"superscripted".

possession (by an unclean spirit)
NDH [C], PO > signer, covers the forearm of DH [V:] at the chest as the DH descends wiggling (crawling into) the [C] of the NDH.

post (to ledger or journal, Accounting)
(2h)[V], POs ><, move from one place to another while bending FTs, then releasing.

post- (prefix)
(1) (2h)[B], POs > signer, FOs >< DH touches the back of the fingers of NDH, then moves away. (2) DH [P], PO down touches the back of the fingers of NDH [B], PO > signer, FO ><, then moves away.

posterior (anatomy)
(2h)[A], POs <, FOs away, DH starts in front of NDH and then moves behind it (meaning “in back of").

posterior to anterior
"P" TO "A".

postmortem
POST- DIE.

post partum depression
BABY BORN, MOTHER DEPRESSED.

pot (marijuana)

potassium
"K". For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

potential, potential difference
"V", DIFFERENT + (2h)alt.INDEX'the two end points'.

potential energy
(1) P-E. (2) E P"subscripted" (E P).

potentiometer
P-O-T.

pound
L-B. Although ASL uses WEIGH for "pound" also, it may be prudent to use the technical abbreviation in technical settings, to avoid confusion.

pound-force per square inch
L-B-F, then hand descends and signs I-N SQUARED.

pound-mass (lb)
L-B M"subscripted".

pound per square inch
(1) L-B, then hand descends and signs I-N SQUARED. (2) P-S-I.

powder

powder funnel
POWDER FUNNEL.

power

power amplifier
P-A.

power factor
P-F.

power gain (Ap)
A P"subscripted".

power on self test
P-O-S-T.

Power Point
P-P.

power source
POWER STart PLACE. Some people sign STart, but that's a verb and "source" is a noun.

power supply
POWER + (2h)[B], POs up, FOs away, move forward slightly 2x.

power surge
POWER + DH [O^], PO down, is held against NDH [B], PO down, and DH opens with fingers wiggling, then suddenly closes again to a [O^], all the time with thumb still touching NDH to show the sudden surge of power.

practice

praise
(1) [1], PO > NDS, touches chin (SAY) + clap hands together, NDPO up and DHPO down in the direction of and while gazing at that which is being praised. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Praise. (2) (1) + OFFER-UP. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Praise.

praseodymium
P-R. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

pray, prayer

prayer niche
Cup hands behind ears + [N dot], PO down, FO away, "stands" behind [C dot], PO > signer, FO > DS.

prayer shawl
(1) (2h)[C], POs > signer, FOs ><, FTs run down chest as if tracing the outline of the shawl. (2) (2h)bC-CL'outline of shawl going down both sides of chest'.

pre- (prefix)
(1) (2h)[B], POs > signer, FOs >< DH touches the palm of NDH, then moves > signer. (2) DH [P], PO down touches the palm of NDH [B], PO > signer, FO ><, then moves > signer.

preach
[F], PO away from signer, is held high and bends repeatedly at wrist. For an animated gif of this sign, see Animated dictionary of religious signs - Deaf Missions: Preach.

preacher

pre-cast
(2h)[B], DPO > back, DFO > NDS, NDPO away, NFO up, backhands touch and DH moves > back + (2h)[C], POs ><, FOs away, thumbs remain touching while DH rotates until FO is up, as if pouring something into NDH.

precession (Astronomy)
(2h)[5:], holds an imaginary ball from the sides and rotates it so that if there were a north-south pole, it would make circles parallel to the floor.

precipitant
(2h)5wg-CL shows sediment settling, then G-CL moves across B-CL to show thin layer of sediment on substrate. For distinguish this from "precipitate", keep the NDH in place and point to it. (Not shown in QuickTime movie). For a QuickTime movie of the second portion of this sign phrase, see ASL browser - sediment.

precipitate

precipitation (Meteorology)
(<) RAIN, (>) SNOW.

précis
P-R-E-C-I-S.

precise
EXACT. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - precise.

precision
MEASURE EXACT. For a QuickTime movie of EXACT, see ASL browser - precise.

predecessor (math)
NUMBER BEFORE.

predestination
GOD DECIDE WHO SAVE.

predicate (n)
P-R-E-D.

prediction
PREDICT ANNOUNCE.

pre-existence (LDS [Mormon])
LIFE BEFORE EARTH.

Presbyterian
[P], FO up, strikes palm of NDH [B], PO > DS, FO up, 2x with middle finger. (< initialized form of LUTHERAN.) For an animated gif of this sign, see American Sign Language browser: Presbyterian.

preference

preferred stock
PREFER S-T-O-C-K.

prefix
NDH [bC], PO away, FO > NDS, DH [bC], PO away, touches index finger to index finger to show an element added to the front of a word.

pregnancy, pregnant

pre-ignition
BEFORE + [bX] twists at position of ignition switch + (1h)BURN.

prejudice
(1) AGAINST. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - prejudice. (2) [A dot], PO down, runs FT up chest (like PROUD), but flick thumb up at the end so that PO is towards.

preliminaries (sports)
P-R-E-L-I-M-S.

preliminary
P-BEFORE, that is, DH [P] is held against the backhand of [B], PO away, FO up, and DH moves > NDS.

premature ejaculation
(1) [1] travels > [S], PO down, FO away as if it were going to be inserted, but just before it enters, it changes to an [S], then opens to a [5]. (2) PENIS CAN'T HOLD, EJACULATE. (3) FAST EJACULATE, HOLD CAN'T.

pre-menstrual syndrome
P-M-S.

preorgasmic
ORGASM (see entry), NOT-YET.

preposition
P-R-E-P.

prep school
DH index finger taps against little finger of [5], PO > signer, FO up.

prescription
(1) R-X, which moves diagonally down. (2) DOCTOR WRITE PAPER FOR MEDICINE.

prescription drugs
MEDICINE DOCTOR GIVE.

(Divine) Presence
(1) GOD GO-TOGETHER US. (2) CONFRONT GOD.

present

president (general and LDS [Mormon])
(2h)[5:], POs away, are placed on respective temples and move away while closing to (2h)[S].

pressure
DH [B], pushes down repeatedly with palm aginst NDH [S], FO away. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pressure.

presumptuous
TOO-MUCH + [4], PO > NDS, FO up, spirals away from temple with th.

pretend
(1) (2h)[B], POs down, FOs away, are held together with DH above NDH and DFOrces NDH to bend with it into a [B^] twice. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - hypocrite. (2) [C^] holds thumb side against NDS cheek and opens and closes as if "speaking out of the other side of one's mouth". (3) [1], PO away, FO up, brushes forward against cheek 2x. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pretend.

pretrial intervention (diversion)
REHABILITATION PROGRAM. COURT, PUT-ASIDE.

preventive maintenance
P-M.

preview
(1) PREDICT. (2) EARLY + [V], PO down, FO away, moves forward. (3) (2h)[B], are held with back hands touching, DPO > back, DFO > NDS, NDPO away, NDFO up, and DH moves backwards while NDH stays in position + [V], PO down, FO away, moves forward.

preview monitor
(2h)[B], POs > signer, FOs >< DH touches the palm of NDH, then moves > signer + (2h)[V], POs down, FOs > thing observed, LOOK"over time" + SQUARE.

price
(1) (2h)[flat F], POs><, FOs away, tap thumbs together twice. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - value. This option is better for differentiating it from "cost". (2) FT of [X], PO > NDS, brushes down [B], PO > DS, FO away. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - price.

priest

priesthood (LDS [Mormon])
[P] touches the wrist of NDH [S], PO down, and changes to an [H] as it ascends.

primary
[1], PO down, FO away, supinates like the sign FIRST, but strikes the thumb of NDH [A dot], PO > DS, FO away.

primary impedance (Zp)
Z P"subscripted".

primary voltage (Vp)
V P"subscripted".

prime

prime minister
(1) P-M. (2) [P] touches middle finger to DS temple, then [M] touches FT to temple.

primitive
LONG-AGOwg, that is, [5], PO > NDS, moves back over shoulder while FT wiggle. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - primitive. Note: Some people sign ROUGH, but this has negative connotations.

prince
P-KING. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - prince.

princess
[P] touches NDS of chest, then DS of chest, then DS hip. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - princess.

principal

principle
P-LAW. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - principle.

principle of superposition
P-LAW + (2h)[B], POs up, pronate and overlap one another.

printed circuit
P-C.

printed circuit board
P-C-B.

printer
(1) [L], PO away, FO up, is held slightly above NDH and strikes palm of [B], PO up, FO away, while closing twice to [bO]. (Not PRINT PERSON!) For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - printer. (2)PRINT MACHINE.

print merge
PRINT MAINSTREAM.

priority
(1) Palm of [5] moves towards thumb of NDH [5], PO > signer, FO > DS, as if it were going to tap against it, returns to its original position, then moves down slightly as if it were going to tap the index finger, and finally similarly with the middle finger. (2) Middle finger of [P] moves towards thumb of NDH [5], PO > signer, FO > DS, as if it were going to tap against it, returns to its original position, then moves down slightly as if it were going to tap the index finger, and finally similarly with the middle finger.

priority interrupt controller
P-I-C.

prism
P-R-I-S-M.

private branch exchange
P-B-X.

private parts of the body
BODY AREA, PRIVATE.

probability

probable cause
ENOUGH PROOF.

probate
W-I-L-L COURT.

probation officer
WARN(x1) AGENT.

proboscis
This depends on the size of the animal. The term can refer to the trunk of an elephant or the long "nose" of an insect. For the latter, grasp nose with [G], PO > NDS, and pull away closing FT to [bO].

procaryotic
P-R-O-C-A-R-Y.

procedure
PROCESS. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - procedure.

proceeds
AMMOUNT COLLECT.

process

processing

procession
(2h)4-CL"stately procession of people single file".

processional
(2h)4-CL"stately procession of people single file" MUSIC.

processor
(2h)alt.NEXT MACHINE. For a QuickTime movie of the first sign, see ASL browser - procedure.

processor element
P-E.

produce

producer
P-MAKE AGENT.

producer-director
(1) P-D. (2) P-MAKE AGENT, D-CONTROL AGENT.

product

production
(1) MAKE+. (2) P-MAKE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - produce.

production assistant
(1) P-A. (2) PRODUCE ASSISTANT.

profession, professional (adj)
DH [P], PO down, FO away, NDH [Bb], PO > DS, FO away, middle finger of DH touches top of NDH and FT moves straight down the NDH.

Profession of Faith (Lutheran)
ANNOUNCE FAITH.

professionalism
DH [P], NDH [B], POs > opposite side, FOs away, middle finger of DH touches top of NDH and FT moves straight down the NDH + (2h)[C], POs down, FOs away, both hands move from side to side antisymmetrically.

professor emeritus
TEACHER, NOW RETIRED.

profile
[B], PO down, FO > NDS, touches the forehead and then the chin. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - profile.

profit
(1) [F] puts FT in breast pocket. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - profit. (2) [F] puts FT in hip pocket.

program (computers)
[P] rises up [B], PO towards, and goes down other side.

program counter
P-C.

programmable array logic
P-A-L.

programmable interrupt controller
P-I-C.

programmable logic array
P-L-A.

programmable logic device
P-L-D.

programmable logic sequencer
P-L-S.

programmable read-only memory
P-R-O-M.

programmable sound generator
P-S-G.

programmable unijunction transistor
P-U-T.

programmed input/output
P-I-O.

programmer

programming
(1) PROGRAM (1) PROGRAM INVENT.

Programming Language I
P-L-ONE

program monitor
PROGRAM SQUARE.

progress
(1) (2h)alt.NEXT. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - progress. (2) (2h)alt.NEXT, diagonally upward.

projectile motion
MOVE HOW? LIKE THROW, 1-CL shows arc of motion.

projection

projector

Prokimenon
OFFER-UP, that is, (2h)[B], POs up, FOs away, are lifted up as if offering something to God.

prom
GRADUATE DANCE.

promethium
P-M. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

promiscuity, promiscuous

promotion, promoted
NDH [5], PO > signer, FO > DS, [V:], PO away, FO up, jumps from a lower rung on the NDH to a higher rung.

prompt

pronunciation
SAY. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pronunciation.

proofread
READ, CHECK"each" MISTAKE.

prop

propaganda
(1) ADVERTISE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - propaganda. (2) BRAIN~WASH.

propeller(s)
(2h)[1], move symmetrically in circles parallel to the chest and separating at the top. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - propeller.

proper motion (Astronomy)
APPROPRIATE MOTION, that is RIGHT+ + MOVE.

property

prophecy
PREDICT.

prophesy
PREDICT ANNOUNCE.

prophet

propitiate
(1) OFFER-TO-God, GOD SATISFIED. (2) SUBSTITUTE.

proportion, proportional
(2h)[P], POs down, FOs away, move downwards at NDS then at DS.

proprietary
THEIRS*++, OTHER C-O PROFIT, FORBIDDEN.

prop rod
(2h)5:->S-CL'lift hood' + [1] rises and strikes the palm of B-CL(PO down, FO away) which is held high to represent the hood.

prosecute
BLAME. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - prosecute.

prosecutor
GOVERNMENT THEIR LAWYER.

Proskomen
PAY-ATTENTION-TO. This sign is directed towards what must be attended to.

prospective

prostate
P-R-O-S-T-A-T-E.

prostitute
[B^], PO > back, rubs back of fingers against cheek twice. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - prostitute.

protactinium
P-A. For more information on this and other elements, see The elements. And for fun, see Elements by Tom Lehrer. To see this song with captions, go to The Elements song by Tom Lehrer.

protagonist
(1) LEAD CHARACTER. (2) LEAD ROLE.

protective services
PROTECT SERVE.

protein
(1) (2h)[P], touch FTs, then separate to respective sides while twisting. (2) [P] touches middle finger to corner of mouth and hand twists.

protest
(2h)[S] hold picket sign and wave it forward slightly 2x. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - picket.

Protestant
[X:] taps palm of NDH twice.

proton
"P" PartICLE.

protoplanet
EARLY PLANET, where the second sign is [P], PO down, FO > NDS, orbits around [1], PO > DS, FO up.

protostar
STAR, NOT-YET.

protractor
[P] touches index then thumb of [L], PO away, FO up.

Proverbs [Heb. Mishlei]
P-R-O-V.

Providence
(1) GOD SUPERVISE. (2) GOD TAKE-CARE-OF.

proxemics
(2h)[1], NDPO > signer, DPO away, FOs up, hands in neutral space separate and approach each other while remaining in front of the signer's nose.

proximal (anatomy)
NDH [B], PO down, FO away, holds hand out and DH points under the arm > the torso and moves repeatedly towards it.

Psalms [Heb. T'hillim]
(1) P-S-A. (2) P-SONG.

pseudo-
FALSE. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pseudo.

pseudo noise
P-N.

pseudo random
P-R.

pseudo random noise
P-R-N.

p'shat
(1) SUPERFICIAL MEANING. (2) SIMPLE MEANING.

psi, lowercase psi
Same as the sign PSYCHOLOGY (some people start this sign with THINK, in which case I mean the later half of the compound.)

psi-a (read "pee es eye ah", which stands for "pound(s) per square inch absolute")
P-S-I "G".

psi-g (read "pee es eye gee", which stands for "pound(s) per square inch gauge")
P-S-I "A".

psychiatry
(1) P-DOCTOR. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - psychiatrist. (2) [P] is inserted between thumb and index finger of [B], PO way, FO up, twice.

psychoanalysis
PSYCHOLOGY ANALYZE.

psychology
(1) Pinkie side of [B] is inserted between thumb and index finger of [B], PO way, FO up, twice. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - psychology. (2) Same as (1) but starts with THINK.

psychosis
THINK BREAK-DOWN.

psychosomatic
BRAIN INFLUENCE (with th) BODY.

pubic lice
(2h)[3] is held with DH thumb touching the nose and NDH touching the pubic area and both FTs wiggle.

public address (system)
P-A.

public affairs
P-A.

public defender
GOVERNMENT (2h)O^-GIVE-you LAWYER.

Public Service Announcement
P-S-A.

pudding
SWEET SOUP, where the second sign is NDH [C dot] is a bowl and [H] is a spoon which circles from bowl to mouth twice.

Puerto Rico
(1) P-R. (2) [P] touches NDS of chin with wrist, then [R] touches DS of chin with FTs. To see the reference source for the sign(s) for this country or to look up other countries in the same geographical area, see Indigenous signs for countries. To find signs for cities within this country (some have no entries) see Indigenous signs for cities.
pulley

pulsar
STAR + [O^], PO away, FO up, flashes open and closed repeatedly.
pulse (sudden burst)

pulse amplitude modulation
P-A-M.

pulse code modulation
P-C-M.

pulse count modulation
P-C-M.

pulse duration modulation
P-D-M.

pulse modulation
P-M.

pulse per second
P-P-S.

pulse position modulation
P-P-M.

pulse repetition frequency
P-R-F.

pulse repetition rate
P-R-R.

pulse repetition time
P-R-T.

pulse time modulation
P-T-M.

pulse width
P-W.

pulse width modulation
P-W-M.

pump (engineering)
The signer mimics the action of moving the handle on a water pump. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pump.

pumpkin
[8] flicks middle finger against [S], PO down. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pumpkin.

punch in
[S] stamps its small finger side against the palm of NDH [B] + ENTER.

punch out
[S] stamps its small finger side against the palm of NDH [B] + [5], PO > signer, FO up, moves away while closing to [O^].

punctual
(1) Both hands snap fingers + TIME. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - punctual. (2) FT of [X] is brought down rapidly on the watch area of NDH. This can be repeated several times while arm is brought forward to show that the person is always punctual.

punctuation
COMMA, PERIOD.

puncture wound
The left "flat" hand faces up at chest level. The index finger of the right "one" hand moves down through the fingers of the left hand as if puncturing it. The right "F" hand faces down and touches the left arm. (This can be signed at the area of the wound.)

purchase
BUY.

pure
(1) CLEAN*. (2) P-CLEAN.

Purgatory
Middle finger of DH [P] traces a circle in the palm of NDH [B]. (< the practice of selling indulgences in the 16th century to expiate the souls in Purgatory who had died in grace.)

Purim
(1) (2h)[P] held at eyes and then hands separate while closing to (2h)[U]. (2) [K] is moved like (1h)CELEBRATE. (< from the sign for "Tel-Aviv" which is famous for its riotous Purim carnivals.)

Puritan
(2h)[P] trace outline of Puritan collar with middle fingers, which start at point of necktie knot, descend in an arc, and go up to each side's respective shoulder.

purpose
THINK~MEAN, where the [V] that will be used for MEAN is brought up to the temple for "THINK" and perseverated for MEAN in the sense of "what does that mean?"

purse
(1) [1] traces a downward arc from wrist of [S], PO > DS, FO away, to elbow. (2) (2h)[A], POs ><, FOs away, hold palms together and open hinging on wrists which stay together.

push button
P-B.

pushdown (computers)
DH [B] presses down on [S], PO > DS, like OPPRESS.

push drugs
SELL is modulated by being produced multiple times while moving > NDS with puffed cheeks.

pusher (drugs)
SELL AGENT.

pushke
MONEY F-CL'put coin in cylinder' THAT 1-CL'point to cylinder'.
C-CL'cylinder'------------------------------------>

push to talk
P-T-T.

putt
The signer mimics the action of putting in a game of golf. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - putt.

PWA (person [living] with AIDS)
(1) PERSON SELF HAVE A-I-D-S. (2) P-W-A.

P wave
"P" W-A-V-E.

pyramid
(2h)[B] sweep up left and right sides of pyramid shape, and then twist and sweep up front and back sides. For a QuickTime movie of this sign, see ASL browser - pyramid.

Pythagorean theorem
P-Y-T-H-A-G-O-R-E-A-N THEORY. Later, "P" 'S THEOREM.
Image credits

1. From http://hea-www.harvard.edu/~pease/DP/www/UK/parliament.html (London '98), which is no longer extant.

2.

ClipartConnection.Com.

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